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Future proof renovation helps with long-term sustainability goals that save both the environmental impact and money. Renovating gives you the perfect opportunity to address outdated standards that were installed when your home was built. You can future proof your home and bring the property into the 21st century with things like organic materials or a water system redesign. It can be an ongoing project,but small changes can make a big impact.
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Improved Energy Efficiency
One of the greatest concerns of today is the use of energy. Energy can be overused and is still mostly supplied using fossil fuels. Switching to renewable energy sources will help. But a home needs more, and renovation allows you to build energy efficiency into your property. Heating is a primary concern, yet any reputable fireplace store offers excellent energy-efficient products. Replacing older boilers, furnaces, and piping helps when paired with modern insulation.
Organic and Natural Materials
The days of using cheap and harmful materials in home building, renovation, and even commercial products are slowly but surely fading away. As a society, we are largely shifting towards using highly sustainable organic materials in our homes, such as bamboo kitchen counters, for example. Green initiatives are also helping replace felled trees, so there is less risk in using hardwood, and it is even encouraged since hardwood generally lasts for a long time.
Your Car and Future Proof Renovation
According to the EU, around 24% of carbon emissions come from road vehicles. The use of electric vehicles is increasing, and the International Energy Agency predicts there will be over 350 million EVs on our roads by 2030. Of course, purchasing an EV is a great step to reducing carbon emissions. Yet, the vehicle manufacturing industry itself still needs to make changes. However, when renovating, you can take the opportunity to install an EV charging station.
Water System Redesign
Water and plumbing are like the lifeblood of a home. The wastewater system carries harmful effluent away from your home and disposes of it correctly. The water system also reduces the chances of negative effects on your home infrastructure. However, many water systems are pretty old. Renovating gives you a chance to readdress the water system and make necessary changes, such as low-flow systems, external water tanks, and gray water systems.
Using Smart Technology
Smart technology has almost unlimited uses and is much cheaper to install today than it once was. Modern smart devices are useful when it comes to sustainability because they are able to remotely control home systems, monitor energy or water usage, and program any controlled devices. A renovation project is the perfect time to install smart systems and smart compatible appliances, most of which work with home assistants such as Google, Alexa, and Siri.
Summary
Energy efficiency is a major consideration during a future proof renovation. It will also help to redesign certain rooms, like the kitchen, using organic materials like bamboo. Smart technology can help monitor energy or water usage and control how each appliance is used.